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FDI Cooperation releases Field Device Integration (FDI) specification

Summary

The specification makes it possible for automation suppliers to develop products and host systems compatible with FDI.

November75, 2014– FDI Cooperation released the Field Device Integration (FDI) specification which will make it possible for automation suppliers to develop products and host systems compatible with FDI. As part of the release, which coincides with the NAMUR annual meeting, the FDI specification (IEC 62769) and the latest Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) specifications (IEC 61804) are being handed over to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the next important phase –the Final Draft International Standard - in the international standardization process.
The core of FDI Technology is the FDI Device Package that includes everything a host system needs to integrate an intelligent device. With FDI, each device is represented by a single FDI Device Package that can scale according to the complexities and requirements of each device.
Each FDI Device Package contains a mandatory Device Description (EDD) that provides parameter definitions, structure for the parameters for context specific views, and automated work processes for device procedures such as calibration. FDI Device Packages may also include User Interface Plug-Ins, software components that support advanced device setup and diagnostic functions. Product manuals, documentation, images, electronic certifications and other attachments may also be delivered in the FDI Device Package.
FDI Device Packages make it easier for automation suppliers to develop and integrate intelligent devices because they only need to create a single, unified FDI Device Package for each intelligent device that can work with all host systems and tools, reducing overall development costs while preserving and expanding existing functionality. Users will also find it easier to manage information from intelligent devices with a single device package, instead of juggling different technologies and investing significant capital in custom integration efforts to connect multiple technology platforms.
The FDI specification is completed to be used for product development and available for download from the FDI Cooperation LLC web site at www.fdi-cooperation.com.
A common Integrated Development Environment (IDE) will help device manufacturers create high quality, reliable and interoperable FDI Device Packages for FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, PROFIBUS and PROFINET devices in a consistent manner. The IDE will include a reference runtime environment that allows device developers to execute and test their FDI Device Package against a standard implementation to ensure product quality and interoperability.
The cross protocol single set of FDI Common Host Components are the core for implementing host systems like device management tools, asset management tools, and process automation systems. FDI Common Host Components allow for rapid development and ensure FDI Device Packages behave consistently across different systems. FDI Host Components fully support legacy EDD libraries to protect end user investments.
Both the Integrated Development Environment and the Common Host Components can be ordered at FieldComm Group starting in the first quarter of 2015.
About FDI Cooperation LLC
The five major automation foundations, including the FDT Group, Fieldbus Foundation, HART Communication Foundation, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, and OPC Foundation have developed a single common solution for Field Device Integration (FDI). These foundations have combined their efforts to form a joint company named FDI Cooperation, LLC (a limited liability company under US law). FDI Cooperation, LLC is headed by a “Board of Managers”, which is composed of the representatives of the involved organizations, as well as managers of global automation suppliers including ABB, Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Honeywell, Invensys, Siemens and Yokogawa. FDI Cooperation LLC marks an unprecedented level of cooperation among suppliers and foundations to achieve a single integration technology for the benefit of end users. FDI’s mandate is to develop a single technology for the management of information that comes from all intelligent devices throughout all areas of the plant.